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The Erechtheion, also referred to as Erechtheum, is a Greek temple that was dedicated to Poseidon (the god of the sea) and Athena (the goddess of wisdom and courage). It is nestled on the northern side of the Acropolis of Athens.

The Erechtheion, also referred to as Erechtheum, is a Greek temple that was dedicated to Poseidon (the god of the sea) and Athena (the goddess of wisdom and courage). It is nestled on the northern side of the Acropolis of Athens.

The temple was built between 421 and 406 BC by an Athenian architect thought to have been Mnesicles. The temple derives its name from 'Erichthonius' a legendary Greek hero. The architecture of the temple follows the Ionic theme that was common in Athens in those days. It was part of the Pericles Building Program that sought to make Athens the center of the Greek Empire.

The Temple Dimensions and Prominent Features

On the northern side, you will find the 6 ionic columns and on the southern side, the 'Porch of the Maidens' with the 6 draped female figures (also known as Caryatids)

The Temple assumes a sloping angle with the west and northern sides being lower than the east and southern sides.

The temple was built with marble from Mount Pendelikon

the temple features carved windows and doorways and its columns are ornately decorated.

It is recognized as one of the earliest example of egg-and-dart and guilloche ornamental moldings

One of the Caryatids was removed by Lord Elgin and used to decorate his Scottish Mansion in 1801. It was later sold to the British Museum. A major Greek folklore says that at night, the remaining Caryatids are heard wailing at night for their lost sister.

During the Greek War of Independence, the temple was heavily bombarded by the Ottomans, with the entire northern porch being blown up. From 1977 to 1988, the Erechtheion went under a restoration program. This saw the removal of the 5 Caryatids to the Old Acropolis Museum and in their place, exact replicas were put.

Today the Caryatids rest in the New Acropolis Museum. The temple is a major tourist destination. It showcases the masterly of the Greeks in construction. You are well advised to spend a few hours here during your tour of Greece. You can click here to see comments about the temple on Trip Advisor.